Hadhrat Abu Sa`eed Al-Khudri Radhiallaahu `Anhu said: “While Rasoolullaah Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam was leading his companions in Salaah, he suddenly took off his sandals and placed it on his left, when the people saw that, they too took off their sandals, then when Rasoolullaah Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam completed his Salaah he asked: “What made you take off your sandals? “ They replied: “We saw you take off your sandals so we took off our sandals.” So Rasoolullaah Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam said: “Indeed Jibreel – Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam – came to me and informed me that there was dirt – or some impurity – on it (the sandals). And (then) he (Rasoolullaah Sallallaahu `Alayhi Wa Sallam) said: “When anyone of you comes to the Masjid then let him look (at his shoes), if he sees any dirt or impurity on it then let him wipe them (the sandals) and perform Salaah in them.” – Authentic, from Sunan Abu Daawood. [ii]

So Salaah while wearing shoes is permissible, however one should take care to perform all the postures correctly and not hold back for fear of damaging one’s shoes.

Furthermore, one should avoid entering the Masaajid with shoes in today’s times where the Masaajid are carpeted, and walking on it with shoes would soil and damage it thereby causing unnecessary damage, expenses and arguments.

But if one is on the road, in a car park, or in a jungle etc, then there is no harm in keeping one’s shoes on while performing Salaah.